TORY MP Sir David Amess was knifed to death in a suspected terror attack, it emerged tonight.
A 25-year-old man was held by armed cops after Sir David, 69, was stabbed multiple times at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
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Sir David Amess was stabbed to death in Essex today 21
Armed cops on the scene in Essex after the horror unfolded 21
Essex Police today confirmed counter terrorism officers are leading the investigation into David's death Credit: UkNewsinPictures
Counter-terror police and MI5 are investigating whether the arrested British national of Somali origin was inspired by Islamic terrorism.
It is understood the suspect lived in Sir David’s Southend West constituency after his family came to the UK from the war-torn East African country in the 1990s.
Urgent background checks are being carried out on him to establish any potential links with jihadist groups.
The tragedy comes as...
Tributes have flooded in for Sir David from the political world The MP had called for action on knife crime just seven months ago Jo Cox's husband Brendan says the killing "brings everything back" A suspect remains in custody where he is being quizzed on suspicion of murder Boris Johnson says ‘our hearts are filled with shock and sadness’ after MP stabbed to death
Initial investigations indicate the suspect was not known to counter-terror cops or security services.
The suspect’s health records are also being examined to check on his psychiatric history.
Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington confirmed that national counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation.
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But he stressed that police were still “keeping an open mind” about terrorism links.
A decision on whether or not to formally declare Sir David’s murder as a terrorist incident will be made in due course.
It comes after Sir David’s killer booked an appointment to see the MP before stabbing him to death at his constituency surgery in Essex.
The 69-year-old, who represents Southend West in Essex, was attacked just after midday at Belfairs Methodist Church.
A local source said he was stabbed up to 17 times.
Paramedics frantically battled to save the stricken MP while horrified constituents watched as the suspect was led away from the bloodbath.
Essex Police tonight confirmed counter-terrorism officers will lead the investigation into his death.
TERROR PROBE
Speaking at a press conference this evening, chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington said the force will "keep an open mind" about terrorism links.
He added: "The investigation is in its very early stages and is being lead by officers in the specialist counter terrorism command.
"It will be for specialists to determine whether this is a terrorism incident."
Cops say they do not believe there is any further threat to people in the area.
However, Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs “with immediate effect”, a Home Office spokesman said.
Sir David's condition was not immediately known but police have since confirmed the married dad-of-five was declared dead at the scene.
Lee Jordison, 40, told how a woman had run out of the church screaming "someone's been stabbed, please get here soon, he's not breathing" after the tragedy unfolded.
He is the ninth MP to be murdered in the UK and sixth since World War Two.
His death tragically comes just months after he begged Boris Johnson to tackle the knife crime epidemic plaguing Britain.
Essex Police today confirmed a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and said they are not looking for anyone else.
The force said: "We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today.
"We attended and found a man injured.
"He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.
"A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered."
Stunned MPs from all politic spectrums have condemned the horror.
Flags have also been lowered to half mast outside Parliament and a planned interview with Boris Johnson that was due to take place today has been cancelled.
The Prime Minister tonight led tributes to the MP, describing him as a "much-loved friend and colleague".
Mr Johnson said: "All our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom.
"David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future and we have lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also paid their respects this evening, saying they are “shocked and saddened” by Sir David's killing.
Prince William and Kate Middleton added their “thoughts and prayers” are with his family, friends and colleagues.
The PM's wife Carrie was among the first to lead tributes to Sir David, saying: "Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess.
"He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children."
RIP Sir David
Sir David was one of the longest serving MPs in the House of Commons.
He was born in Essex in 1952 and has served the area for 38 years as an MP.
Sir David was a Tory MP since 1983, first for the seat of Basildon, and since 1997 for Southend West, where he has a majority of 14,459.
He was a backer of Brexit and supported leave in the referendum, saying it was "dangerous" and a "mistake" to Remain.
The lifelong backbencher never served in any top government positions but was well-versed in how to lobby ministers from the backbenches.
The MP long had a passion for animals and was patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation - along with the PM's wife Carrie. He also campaigned against fox-hunting.
Sir David was a Roman Catholic and opposed abortion laws and same sex marriage.
On foreign policy, he voted for the Iraq war, but later was very critical about the failure to find any WMDs.
Earlier this year, Sir David launched a new campaign for a permanent memorial to Dame Vera Lynn, along with her family.
MPs said he was a genuinely well-respected politician and liked by members all across the spectrum.
He is married with one son and four daughters.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said questions are “rightly being asked” about the safety of MPs following the killing of Sir David Amess and she will “provide updates in due course”.
Robert Halfon, Tory MP for Harlow and a friend of Sir David's, told The Sun: "He was the embodiment of Essex man.
"He was just the most wonderful and kindest and funny and compassionate politicians that we had the lucky to know in our lifetimes."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: "The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most.
"Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David's loved ones."
'FAMILY MAN'
Judith Cannon, deputy chair of the local conservative club and friend of Sir David told Sky: "I just don't believe it, how anyone could harm a kind man like David, I don't know.
"I cannot understand how anyone could be so wicked to harm this man.
"We love him dearly. Nobody is perfect but he is as near perfect as it's possible to be."
Councillor John Lamb described Sir David as as an "amicable" family man.
He said: "He's a family man, he's got four daughters and a son.
"He's always trying to help people and especially refugees he's tried to help. He's a very amicable person and he does stick by his guns, he says what he believes and he sticks by it."
History of violent attacks on MPs
Sir David is the latest MP to be killed while serving in office.
Jo Cox
Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in June 2016 by right wing fanatic Thomas Mair as she was on her way to a constituency surgery in Batley and Spen.
Her murder, which came just days before the EU referendum, sparked a national outcry and prompted politicians to massively ramp up their security.
Mair was jailed for life for the attack.
Stephen Timms
In 2010 Labour MP Stephen Timms was stabbed by a woman who claimed she was seeking revenge for his support of the Iraq War at his constituency surgery in east London.
His attacker, Roshonara Choudhry, 21 a radicalised student, stabbed Mr Timms twice in the stomach before his assistant managed to drag her off.
The surgeon who operated on him described the injuries he suffered as “potentially life-threatening”.
Nigel Jones
Lib Dem MP Nigel Jones was stabbed and his assistant, Andy Pennington, murdered, when a man brandishing a sword burst into his constituency and attacked him in 2000.
Attacker Robert Ashman spent 8 years in a secure hospital for the attack.
Ian Gow
In 1990, the Eastbourne MP was was killed by an IRA car bomb at his Sussex home at the age of 53.
Sir Anthony Berry
The MP for Enfield Southgate died in the IRA bombing of Brighton's Grand Hotel, where Margaret Thatcher was staying for the 1984 Conservative Party conference.
Robert Bradford
In 1981, the Ulster Unionist Party was shot dead by the IRA while holding a constituency surgery in a Belfast community centre in 1981.
Airey Neave
The terror group also claimed the life of former Northern Ireland secretary Neave.
His car was blown up as he drove out of the parliamentary car park at Westminster in 1979.
Spencer Perceval
Perceval is the only prime minister to have been murdered in office.
He was shot dead in the lobby of the House of Commons in 1812.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: "Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.
"My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life."
Theresa May wrote: "Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties.
"A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family."
Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: "David Amess's passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news.
"He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family."
'TRUE PARLIAMENTARIAN'
Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: "Awful, tragic news about David.
"A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career.
"My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
While Sadiq Khan said: "I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away.
"He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful.
"My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David's loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief."
'COWARDLY'
Today's stabbing comes five years after MP Jo Cox, 41, was gunned down and stabbed to death in broad daylight.
The Labour politician and mother was murdered by Thomas Mair, 53, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order.
Her death was the first killing of a sitting British MP after the 1990 death of Conservative MP Ian Gow.
Sir David had written a book last year following Jo's death, saying her murder "spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting" their MPs.
Jo's husband Brendan Cox said: "Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself.
"There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets."
The Jo Cox Foundation, which was started after the MP's murder, said: "The Jo Cox Foundation is horrified to hear the news of the attack on Sir David Amess MP.
"We are thinking of him, his family and loved ones at this distressing time."
Sir David has been MP for Southend West since 1997 and first entered parliament in 1983.
Anyone with information or CCTV footage has been asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 445 of 15 October.
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Boris Johnson paid tribute to Sir David today Credit: Universal News & Sport 21
The dad-of-five pictured with wife Julie and four of his children Credit: Twitter 21
Sir David previously pictured with his wife Julia and three of their children Credit: Rex 21
The MP represents Southend West in Essex Credit: pixel8000 21
Sir David pictured with Boris Johnson 21
An air ambulance has left the scene 21
Police confirmed a man has been arrested 21
Forensic officers and armed cops worked at the scene Credit: Nick Obank 21
Counter terror cops are now leading the investigation Credit: Nick Obank 21
Cops cordoned off Belfairs Methodist Church this afternoon Credit: Getty 21
Flags were lowered to half mast outside Parliament today Credit: PA 21
Tributes have poured in for the MP as flowers were placed at the scene Credit: Splash 21
The suspect remains in custody where he is being quizzed on suspicion of murder Credit: The Sun 21
Police outside the church today Credit: The Sun 21
The MP has sadly died from his injuries 21
Sir David had tweeted about the meeting today 21
Witnesses watched as the knifeman stormed the church Credit: pixel8000 21
Tributes have flooded in for the MP
Witness reveals moment cops 'swamped' church after MP David Amess stabbed